LIMA, Peru (AP) – Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the necessity of a zero-tolerance policy regarding all forms of abuse—be it sexual, spiritual, or an abuse of authority—within the Catholic Church. He has called for "transparent processes" aimed at fostering a culture of prevention across the institution. This statement comes in light of ongoing concern surrounding clergy sex abuse scandals, notably a prominent case involving the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae in Peru.
In a written message directed to Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz, who has diligently reported on serious issues of abuse and financial corruption linked to the Sodalitium, Leo made his public remarks for the first time. The message was read during a performance in Lima of a play that highlights the Sodalitium scandal and Ugaz's investigative work.
Leo stated, “It is urgent to root in the whole church a culture of prevention that does not tolerate any form of abuse – neither of power or authority, nor abuse of conscience, spiritual or sexual abuse.” He further articulated that such a culture would only be genuine if it emerges from "active vigilance, transparent processes and sincere listening to those who have been hurt." He also acknowledged the invaluable role of journalists in this process.
Having spent two decades as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru, Leo is acutely aware of the Sodalitium scandal. The group, founded in 1971, has faced significant scrutiny, and the then-Bishop Robert Prevost played a crucial role in addressing the grievances of the victims as the Peruvian bishops’ representative for abuse cases. His efforts led to some victims receiving financial settlements from the organization.
In 2023, after being appointed to the Vatican by Pope Francis, Prevost took decisive action to dismantle the Sodalitium entirely by overseeing the resignation of a powerful bishop within the group. Earlier this year, shortly before Francis' death, the Sodalitium was officially suppressed. Now, Pope Leo XIV finds himself tasked with managing the dismantling of the organization and its considerable assets.
During the performance in Lima, Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, the Vatican envoy overseeing the Sodalitium's dissolution, publicly read Leo's message and shared the stage with Ugaz. In his message, Leo extended praise to journalists for their bravery in holding powerful individuals accountable, called for public authorities to protect them, and declared that a free press constitutes a "common good that cannot be renounced."
Both Ugaz and Sodalitium victim Pedro Salinas have endured years of legal battles, both criminal and civil, instigated by the Sodalitium and its supporters in response to their investigative journalism. They have voiced their appreciation for Leo's approach to handling the abuse case, highlighting his commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
The ongoing abuse scandal presents one of the most challenging challenges for Pope Leo, especially in light of survivor demands for a more stringent application of zero-tolerance policies than those instituted by Pope Francis. This includes calls for accountability for abusers regardless of the age of their victims, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms within the Church.
